Guide to Drive and Rent a Car in Turkey

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Updated: 13 January, 2025

Driving in Turkey is an incredible way to explore the country at your own pace. Whether it’s touring the magical landscapes of Cappadocia or wandering along the Aegean coast, renting a car in Turkey gives you the freedom to create your own adventure. Here’s everything you need to know for a smooth rental process and safe driving experience.

If you’re short on time, on this website, you can rent a car in Turkey directly from reliable and inexpensive local companies.

Is it safe to drive a car in Türkiye?

Yes, it’s safe to drive a car in Turkey, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Major roads are usually in good condition, but rural areas may have less well-maintained sections. Traffic in large cities like Istanbul can be chaotic, so I suggest planning urban routes carefully—or avoiding them altogether by using public transportation.

Winter in Turkey often brings snow, especially in mountainous areas, with the season typically lasting from December to March, and sometimes starting as early as November.

Also, note that locals tend to follow traffic rules more strictly on highways than in cities. While some drivers can be impatient, driving cautiously and following road signs will ensure you a safe experience.

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Requirements for Renting a Car

Renting a car in Turkey is straightforward if you meet a few basic requirements:

1. Driver’s License:If your license is in Latin characters (e.g., Spanish, English, French, German), that will be enough to drive legally. For licenses in other alphabets, you will need an international driving permit.
2. License Validity: Most rental companies ask that you’ve held your license for at least one or two years, particularly for high-end vehicles.
3. Minimum Age: The minimum age is usually 21. Some comapnies only rent to those over 25 years old, especially for luxury cars or SUVs.
4. Credit Card: A credit card is essential for the security deposit. Yes, credit card, not debit! Some companies accept debit cards with sufficient funds, but most require a credit card. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, and some companies also take American Express.
5. Cash Payments: Some local companies may ask for the rental fee and deposit in cash. Check the payment terms when booking.
6. Insurance: Most companies include basic insurance in the rental price, but I recommend getting additional coverage. It’s the safe way to avoid any unpleasant surprises in case of an incident.
7. Mileage restriction: Many rentals offer unlimited mileage, but I suggest confirming confirming this before booking.
8. Additional documents: You’ll need to carry your passport for both renting and driving. If you’re from Spain, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, and others, you can present your national ID instead. The same applies for a total of 21 countries. These are the same countries whose citizens can travel to Turkey with just their national ID instead of a passport.

Where to Rent a Car in Turkey

You’ll find plenty of car rental options at airports and in major cities. Here are my recommendations:

• Istanbul: Driving in Istanbul is hectic, so I suggest avoiding it unless you’re planning to leave the city. Renting a car here is a great idea if you want to explore nearby areas or go on a long road trip, like driving from Istanbul to Cappadocia.
• Airports: Most international car rental companies operate at airports in Istanbul and other big cities. Keep in mind that prices tend to be higher because of airport fees.
• Local Companies: For cheaper options, I recommend renting from local companies. This is the website I always use when I travel to Turkey. You will find there reputable local providers with the most competitive prices. I’ve used it many times and never had any issues.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Turkey?

Prices depend on the season, location, whether you’re renting in the city or at the airport, and the company. To give you an idea, international car rental companies usually charge around €24.80 / $25 USD per day.

However, local companies have much more competitive rates. On this website that I recommended to you earlier, I’ve found rentals for as little as €7.50 / $8.21 USD per day.

Tips for Renting a Car

• Book in advance: This is especially important during the high season when availability can be limited.
• Affordable prices: Prices tend to increase as your travel date approaches, so it’s best to book 4 to 5 weeks before your trip.
• Conditions: Before booking, carefully review the terms to see what’s included, like insurance, unlimited mileage, and fuel policies.
• Inspect the car:When picking up the car, check for scratches or damage. My tip is to record a video as proof.

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Practical Information for Driving in Turkey

1. Electronic tolls: Most highways use the HGS system (a sticker for automatic toll payments). Ask if the car already has this activated.
2. Gas stations: They’re easy to find on major roads, but if you’re heading to rural areas, make sure to fill up your tank in advance.
3. Gas prices: Fuel price in Turkey vary by region and type. Currently, unleaded gasoline in Istanbul costs 41.98 Turkish Liras (TL) per liter, and diesel is 44.12 TL.
4. Speed limits: The general limits are 50 km/h in cities, 90 km/h on roads, and 120 km/h on highways. Stick to the limits to avoid fines—speed cameras are common.
5. Police checkpoints: Near tourist areas, police checkpoints are frequent, and they’ll ask for documentation (like passports) from all passengers. Don’t be surprised if you encounter another checkpoint shortly after passing one—I’ve experienced this myself.
6. Parking: In big cities like Istanbul, finding street parking is nearly impossible. Private parking lots are your best option, though even these can take time to find.
7. Traffic signs: Signs in Turkey are in English, so you won’t have any trouble understanding them.
8. Follow the rules: While some drivers may seem impatient, it’s important to stick to traffic regulations.
9. Seat belts: Wearing seat belts is mandatory for all passengers.
10. Alcohol limit: The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. However, for drivers with less than five years of experience, it’s 0%.
11. Turkey’s emergency number: Just in case, keep it handy—it’s 112.

Driving Tips

• Google Maps: Plan your routes carefully and use Google Maps—it works flawlessly as long as you have mobile data.
• Always have mobile data: I recommend getting an eSIM for Turkey with unlimited data. It’s super reliable and has never let me down.
• Be ready for the unexpected: In rural areas you may encounter road closures, so it is important to allow some extra time into your schedule.
• Hotels with parking: If you’re planning to drive, choose hotels with parking. It’ll save you time and money.

Places to Visit on a Road Trip in Turkey

Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore Turkey’s must-see destinations at your own pace. Here are some ideas:

1. Cappadocia: If you’re traveling from Istanbul to Cappadocia, flying is the fastest option if you’re short on time. But a road trip is a great choice if you want to stop along the way, like in Ankara or Tuz Lake, known for its pink waters. Once in Cappadocia, having a car makes exploring the region so much easier.
2. Aegean and Mediterranean coast: This area is perfect for a road trip. Drive from Izmir to Antalya, stopping at places like Ephesus Pamukkale, Marmaris and the stunning beaches of Oludeniz.
3. Turkey in winter: You can head to the Uludağ mountains near Bursa for skiing, then relax in Pamukkale’s hot springs— some of the best places to visit in Turkey in winter.

Where to Drive and Where Not to

Driving gives you total freedom to explore Turkey, and in my opinion, it’s the best way to visit remote spots like archaeological sites or small villages. Otherwise, you’ll need to rely on taxis or public transportation.

Public transportation in Turkey works well in major tourist areas and cities, but in remote regions, it’s often infrequent or indirect. Some routes even run only during the high season.

That said, Turkey is a huge country, so planning your routes is key. In many cases, taking domestic flights—which are affordable—can save you a lot of time. You can check flight prices, schedules, and book tickets on this website. Once you arrive, renting a car is a great way to explore the area.

Driving in large cities, especially Istanbul, is usually not a good idea.

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide to driving and renting a car in Turkey helps you feel ready to explore the country comfortably and at your own pace. A road trip through Turkey is an unforgettable experience!

In this guide to Turkey, you’ll find the rest of my articles about this fascinating country.

If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘

More about Türkiye

• What to see in Istanbul: 15 Must-Sees + Map
• Turkish Baths in Istanbul: 7 Best Ones and Tips
• 5 Areas to Stay in Istanbul (and Where Not to)
• 22 Türkiye Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Best all-inclusive trips to Turkey: 4, 6, 7, 10 and 15 days